Left Lower Lobe Collapse
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Introduction
The Left Lower Lobe Anatomy
Plain Film Appearance
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Important Characteristics of all Lobar CollapseThe Left Lower Lobe collapse is sometimes missed because it can be hidden behind the heart shadow. This potential for diagnostic failure is increased if a lateral view is not included in the series.
1. Collapse and consolation can occur independently or together2. Collapse can be partial or complete3. It is often not clear to what extent the appearance is due to collapse or consolidation or both. The degrees of each are often unclear.4. If a lobe is only partially collapsed and there is no accompanying consolidation, there may be no increase in opacity5. In cases of pure collapse, only when the collapse is virtually complete will there be a significant increase in density of the affected lung
The Left Lower Lobe Anatomy
adapted from <a class="external" href="http://books.google.com.au/books?id=Bif0zpmEWtAC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">By Fred W. Wright Radiology of the Chest and Related Conditions: Together with an Extensive Illustrative Collection of Radiographs CRC Press, 2002</a>The left lower lobe is similar in structure to the right lower lobe except that it has two segments combined- because the anterior and medial basal segments share a common bronchial supply, these two segments are characteristically combined, forming an anterior medial basal segment.
More information on lung anatomy here
adapted from <a class="external" href="http://books.google.com.au/books?id=Bif0zpmEWtAC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">By Fred W. Wright Radiology of the Chest and Related Conditions: Together with an Extensive Illustrative Collection of Radiographs CRC Press, 2002</a>
Plain Film Appearance
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